“Playing together in nature is as much about us as it is about the child. Children get to celebrate and be themselves, while we are reminded of our inner child – the essence of who we are.” – Nicolette Sowder
This program is designed for parental figures and their children to create unforgettable memories while learning about natural living. In a playful, enjoyable, and safe environment, you’ll have the spaciousness to explore permaculture-style gardening, planting trees, harvesting greens, cooking on wood-fire, composting, mud plastering, visiting nearby villages, and making simple toys from natural materials. In a world where humans are fast losing any touch with nature, this immersive experience will revitalise your creativity and a sense of belonging to Mother Earth.
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
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A FULLY OPEN-ENDED TIME CURATED FOR YOUR INTERESTS We understand that in your busy lives, there's rarely time to just be with each other. Also, not all activities are suited for all age-groups of children. So we'll offer you a menu of exciting activities to choose from
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VIBRANT LIFE ON A PERMACULTURE FARM You'll get to learn together as parents and children how to plant a garden, mud- plaster, make your own toys out of natural materials, harvest your own vegetables and greens, and cook together on a wood-fired stove
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VILLAGE ECOSYSTEM You'll get to explore and enjoy the beautiful village environment surrounding Dularia and connect with the local community
WHO IT'S FOR
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Parental figures and children of ages 7-15 years of age
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Parents who believe in unschooling or alternative education especially those who believe that connection with nature is an essential part of raising healthy and vibrant children
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People exploring alternative or slower ways of living, closer to nature
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Single parents looking to do something safe, wholesome and memorable with their children who prefer experiential, playful, and immersive experiences over classroom-only learning​
MEET YOUR FACILITATORS
Sharmishtha Dattagupta
(founder Dularia)
Sharmishtha is the founder of Dularia, her work of love in this world. She is an internationally recognised leadership coach and facilitator. Her journey with Dularia started when she was volunteering with tribal village children in a school neighbouring Dularia. Ever since then, she has held the dream to offer adults and children the rich and diverse natural environment at Dularia as a learning and playing ground for deep connection and rejuvenation. Her role in this program is minimal- she will simply hold space and let the Dularia village team members do their magic!
Dularia's village team
Dularia's indigenous community, which includes Iti Malo from a Bengali fishing community, Fulkoli Mardi and Ratan Kisku from the Santhal tribe, and Dayal Kora from the Kora tribe, are experts of farming, cooking, harvesting wild greens, and the crafts of mud building, which they practice as a part of their daily lives. They are also naturally gifted at connecting with adults and children, and sharing their wisdom and simplicity of village life with our guests.
FOOD & ACCOMMODATION
We have 4 options for accommodation:
1
Our gorgeous Earthhome (can be shared among four people, available on a first-come, first serve basis)
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In a dormitory shared among four people. Shared showers and toilets are available on the premises.
3
In a mud cottage or attic room suited for one parent/one child combination. Shared showers and toilets are available on the premises.
4
Any of the surrounding guest-houses. Two options are Panchabati Resort ( 850 m away from Dularia) or Khoai Village Resort (2.7 km away from Dularia).
Meals consist of wholesome vegetarian food containing fresh vegetables and greens harvested from our farm, and cooked on our wood-fired stove in the Santhal tribal or local Bengali tradition. We serve two big meals plus fruit, tea and snacks to keep you well-fed and energized for the tasks of the day.
PRACTICAL DETAILS
DATES
​Dec 26 - 30, 2026
Arrival is suggested on Dec 26 by 4 pm latest, & departure is at 10am on Dec 30.
Last date for registration: Dec 15, 2026
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PARTICIPANTS
Min 4 - Max 10
Book your spot soon as limited places are available! This is an intimate program where you'll meet like-minded people on an intentional, nature-loving journey and get plenty of personal attention from your facilitators.​​​
COST
Tuition fees:
12,000/- for one adult, one child combination or 15,000/- for one adult, two children combination (including workshop, tax & food, excluding accommodation). Fees for any additional adult is 8000/- and for any additional child is 4000/-. To book your spot, a non-refundable deposit of INR 5,000/- will be required.
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Food: INR 4,500/- for each adult or child above 13 years. 2,250/- for each child below 13 years.
Includes all meals from Dec 26 tea/dinner to Dec 30 breakfast. Vegetarian meals using local tribal and Bengali recipes will be prepared using organic ingredients from the farm. Locally sourced duck eggs can be added on request.
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​​​Accommodation (includes stay from Dec 26, 4pm till Dec 30, 10am):
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In a four-person dormitory: 2000/- per adult or child
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Shared stay in our Earthhome (only 4 spots available, first-come, first serve basis): 4,000/- per adult or child
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In a mud cottage or attic room suited for one adult, one child: 3,600/- for one adult-child combination
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For homestays outside Dularia please enquire with them directly​​
DAILY SCHEDULE
The schedule is deliberately left open to curate to your needs and preferences. Here is an example
7:00 - 8:00: Morning stretch and play sessions
8:00 - 8:30: Breakfast (optionally tea/coffee)​
9:00 - 12:30: Morning session. These sessions will cover the core content of the course. All content will be hands-on.
12:30 - 14:30: Lunch and personal time​​.
14:30 - 17:00: Afternoon session. These sessions will cover the core content of the course. All content will be hands-on. Afternoon tea & snacks will be served.
18:00 - 18: 30: Dinner
18:30 - 21:00: Bon-fire, songs, sharing, relaxation.
21:00: Suggested bedtime!
WHERE WE'RE LOCATED
Dularia is located in a rural setting, just ten kilometers away from Shantiniketan, which has been recently recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site for its historical and cultural value. This makes it all the more attractive to visit Dularia and to take a few days extra to visit the surroundings.
HOW TO REACH US
The closest train stations to Dularia are Prantik and Bolpur stations, and the closest airport is Durgapur.
If you want to come by flight, you could fly into Kolkata airport, followed by either a train journey from Howrah/ Sealdah stations to Bolpur/Prantik stations, or take a 4-hour taxi ride directly to Dularia. Alternately, you could fly into Durgapur airport, followed by a 2-hour taxi ride to Dularia. Kolkata has several more flight options than Durgapur does, so both airports have their advantages/disadvantages.
If you want to arrive by train, you can come to Bolpur/Prantik stations, and then take an electric rickshaw (Toto) to Dularia. There are better and faster train connections to Durgapur train
Have questions? Contact us!
Contact Sharmishtha Dattagupta
(Founder Dularia)
WhatsApp: +91-9831404006
Email: dulariatrust@gmail.com
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Contact Megha Jalan
(Workshop Facilitator)
WhatsApp: +91-97489 76464